LAST October, Zaaim Abdullah put his job as a fast food restaurant server on hold after popular singer Siti Nordiana picked him as a protege on TV3’s singing reality show Mentor 7.
To be chosen by Siti Nordiana, or Nana as she is fondly known, is an honour for the 28-year-old Kedah-born.
With perseverance and hard work, he showcased his vocal abilities week after week, amid stiff competition.
Winning over judges and viewers at home, Zaaim eventually took the top spot at the finals recently.
His life has taken a turn for the better, something he never thought will happen.
One can only imagine the burst of emotions he must have felt when his name was announced as the winner. Tears rolled down his face as confetti rained in the background on stage.
It has been quite a journey for him. From a fast food restaurant server to making headlines in the news, 2018 certainly ended on a high note for Zaaim.
“I had to endure lots of pressure in ensuring I gave my best performances on stage. The sacrifice of putting my job on hold to achieve my dream of becoming a singer was certainly worth it,” he said after Mentor’s final concert in Sri Pentas 2 at Plaza Alam Sentral, Shah Alam.
Zaaim is looking forward to bigger things as he embraces the new chapter of his life.
THANKFUL
Zaaim is grateful for the support from fans and his mother who travelled from Alor Star for the final showdown.
Besides the champion title, Zaaim also won a car worth RM70,000 from Aerocar and RM80,000.
He plans to give the cash prize to his mother.
“Without her prayers, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
STRONG PERFORMANCES
The night was filled with strong performances but Zaaim shined a little brighter than the rest.
He and Lan Solo blew the audience away with a duet of Gemuruh, a song originally sung by Awie and Amy Search.
He then took centre stage for a solo performance, belting out Bukan Rayuan Gombal by Judika. Zaaim’s astounding vocal range received the thumbs-up from judges Mas Idayu and Datuk Wah Idris as well as the audience.
Apparently, it was one song which Zaaim had doubts about performing.
Nana said that they argued over the song selection for the finals as Zaaim didn’t feel it was the right one for him.
“Zaaim and I always had our differences when it came to selecting songs for the competition. At first he was reluctant to perform Bukan Rayuan Gombal but I persuaded him since it really suited his vocals.
“And since I’m his mentor, he ultimately agreed to do it. And look where it got him!” added Nana.
Zaaim said that if it was up to him, he would have opted for Azura by Datuk Jamal Abdillah.
“However, my mentor knows where my strength lies,” he said.
Nana added: “You see, that’s the great thing about Zaaim. Even when he is asked to do something out of his comfort zone, he still puts in 110 per cent effort.
“This is something that Zaaim will have to be comfortable with. As a singer, most times, the song selection for our performances are not determined by us.
“Our job is to put up a good performance regardless of the song.”
Other finalists included Muhammad Azmirul, 24, Farranisha Shazwany Mohd Faizul, 18, and Faizul Ashraf Fauzi, 24. The talented millennials charmed the audience in their own unique ways and with charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals.
Azmirul sang Laksamana Raja Di Laut and performed a duet with Ernie Zakri for Bagaikan Sakti by Datuk M. Nasir. Faizul, whose stage name is Pasya, did a duet with Jaclyn Victor for a take on Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody as well as a solo performance of Bunga-bunga Cinta by Misha Omar.
Meanwhile, Ranisha beautifully performed Listen by Beyonce and collaborated with Siti Sarah for Beribu Sesalan, originally sung by Ning Baizura, Shila Amzah and Jaclyn Victor.
Mentor 7 was hosted by Nana Mahazan and Shuk Sahar. Contestants were scored based on points awarded by the judges (50 per cent), online votes (30 per cent) and judging by a semi-professional jury (20 per cent).